Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Washington, D.C.: And the Good Life

There will be many things that I will miss about D.C. this fall, when we start our Vermont adventure.

Like walking to Nationals Stadium.  Biker Barre classes around the corner from our house.  Eastern Market for Saturday browsing.

Oh, so many wonderful eateries on 8th Street, like Cava, Tash, Tandoori Grill, Old Siam, Las Placitas. I need to stop.

So until next time, I'll be in Vermont.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Fire Island: And Putting Life into Perspective

It's been a very rough few weeks.

Not insurmountable and in many ways, we have so much to be thankful for.  And I am.

But July has not had good karma, vibes, juju.  Call it what you want.

So, every day, I try to live in the moment and enjoy the beauty of my life.

Like Crazy Hat day at the kids' camp. And appreciating a bright yellow colander and some popcorn boxes.

PS They were all Abby's ideas!

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Fire Island: A Week of Change and Silver Linings

The breezes have been blowing. The sun was out most of the week.  There were fun activities at camp. And walks on the beach.  There was a movie and ice cream night with our dear friend down C Street.

And, there was change. Big, upsetting change. The kind that gives you a knot in your stomach that won't go away and keeps you up at night, wondering how things could have gone so horribly wrong.

Our au pair from France got on a plane to go home Tuesday morning after just 7 weeks.  And in the process, our lives were turned topsy turvy.  The days leading up to her departure were tense and awkward and filled with anger and disappointment.

And then a lovely young lady from Seattle entered our lives. And made our children giggle again. And giggled at them for their silliness. And drew big funny sharks on pieces of construction paper. And took them down the street to her grandparents' pool. And made me sigh with relief.

And then I realized everything would be okay.

So, here's to silliness. And happiness.   And family, of course.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Fire Island: And the Celebration of all Things American

When I first moved back from Eastern Europe oh so many years ago, I didn't really get into the spirit of the 4th of July. I didn't fully appreciate the parades and fireworks and the endless red, white and blue.

And then something magical happened. I had my children and I saw the celebration through their eyes.

We decorated our wagons on Fire Island with stars and bunting and dressed up in silly costumes to "march" in a wonderful 4th of July parade. 

We danced to the loud drums and sang along to the Star Spangled Banner. 

And we oohed and ahed at the fireworks as they burst over the skies of our beloved island.

Happy belated 4th of July. I hope yours was as wonderful as ours!